Henderson and Matip fitness boost for Reds
Liverpool will receive a timely double boost on Thursday with captain Jordan Henderson and defender Joel Matip both set to return to full training.
Jurgen Klopp's squad will regroup at Melwood as they begin their preparations for Sunday's pivotal Premier League showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Liverpool flew back to Merseyside late on Wednesday night following their 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final.
Neither Henderson nor Matip travelled to the South Coast as they remained at Melwood to build up their fitness levels.
Henderson has been sidelined since he limped off with a heel injury midway through the second half of the victory over Manchester City on New Year's Eve.
However, the Reds skipper has always targeted the clash with United for his return and as long as he suffers no reaction over the coming days then he's expected to start at Old Trafford.
Matip should also be back full training at Melwood on Thursday.
The former Schalke centre-back hasn't played since last month's 2-2 draw with West Ham at Anfield.
Matip has sat out Liverpool's last seven matches in all competitions due to an ankle injury.
After nearly five weeks out Matip is highly unlikely to be drafted straight back into the starting line up at Old Trafford.
However, he could make his comeback against either Plymouth or Swansea next week.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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